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Nation Ford started the game hot, getting inside and to the line as they shot 70 percent from the foul line in the first quarter – all by Roccia. That helped put Nation Ford up 15-9 after the first quarter, but in the second, the Falcons struggled defensively.

Nation Ford stayed in control for the majority of three quarters, as it started to pull away in the second period. The Falcons used their quickness in transition to get easy hoops.

“We shot the ball well and rebounded well,” said Falcons’ head coach Michael Tew.

“We need to work on defense. We need to retool our motion offense.”

Nation Ford opened the third quarter on an 8-2 run after leading at the half, 33-23. Cam Holmes hit two big hoops, as did Tuipulotu. The Falcons went 8-13 in the third quarter.

Patterson dropped in five of his 14 in the third as Nation Ford’s transition game seemed to click into a new gear. Nation Ford started the quarter on an 18-6 push, before Lancaster rattled off a 9-0 run to make it closer at 51-38.

Later in the week, Nation Ford fell 61-47 to Marvin Ridge in their first match-up of the year. The Falcons were held to just eight fourth-quarter points.

Nation Ford returns home Dec. 12 against Marvin Ridge and then is on the road to Lancaster before hosting Clover on Dec. 19.